KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

A unique museum dedicated to the history of Armenian dance opened at ASPU on June 15. ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan and Zhanna Andreasyan, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Chair of the Board of Trustees at ASPU, had the honor of cutting the red ribbon.

In the four halls of the museum, one can see various items, objects and materials telling about rituals and history of Armenian dance, starting from the pre-Christian period to the present day.

In the newly opened museum, one can also see Armenian Taraz (Armenian traditional clothing), manuscripts, unique literature on the history of Armenian dance art, as well as exclusive replicas and reproductions, historical, archeological, costume and dance items.

Zhanna Andreasyan congratulated the attendees on the opening of the unique museum.

In her speech, the minister said that oftentimes, people say that museums should become educational and learning spaces: the Museum of the History of Armenian Dance Art opened to that end and with the right approach.

Zhanna Andreasyan says a museum opened in an educational institution, which provides an opportunity for synergistic interactions, additional results and values from the very beginning. "I am glad that representatives of various dance structures are present at the opening ceremony. This is a place where education, further professional activity, research and scientific activity [in the given field] can be combined, delivering high quality outcomes".

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport says when talking about the importance of art/artistic education, its priority should be emphasized not only as professional, but also as public education: without the component of artistic education, we cannot have proactive and creative citizens who do not flinch in the face of difficulties.

She says in that context art and art education are the right ways: it is creativity that makes a person overcome difficulties and challenges, and see solutions that are not visible at first glance.

Zhanna Andreasyan adds that dance is one of the brightest examples of how a person can turn body education into an art. She is sure the Museum of the History of Armenian Dance Art will create a unique environment for new programs and ideas.

"Taking into account the requirements of modern science and education, it is obvious that a unique social environment has been created, where students, along with the professional component of education, have an opportunity to develop historical, cultural and research skills," ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan said.

The rector is convinced that thanks to the professional community, students will double their personal and professional qualities, and the newly-created social environment will contribute to and enhance quality improvement of education, scientific abilities and performing arts: "It is the best [thing] that the university can create for its students. I believe thanks to the museum, students will present their professional achievements with new quality and inspiration."

The Museum is unique considering its content and significance. It is the only one of its type in Armenia. The large-scale historical, archeological, costume and dance works are aimed at improving the quality of education of dancers, enriching their cognitive knowledge and expanding dance studies.

Professor Amatuni Virabyan, Head of the Chair of Museum Studies, Library Studies and Bibliography, is glad that one more museum has opened inside an educational institution, increasing the number of university museums.

Speaking about the history of dance, the professor emphasized that the newly-opened museum provides an opportunity to study the path of development of dance art, starting from paintings on rocks to the present day.

Professor Ashot Philiposyan added in turn that not only oral speech, manuscript collections, historical and cultural monuments are important for cultural heritage, but also movement and gestures, which contain information.

The professor is sure that the information about the university students will complement the museum exhibits.

"Armenian folk dance, which originated from pre-Christian times and brought with it many elements if nature worship, war and revelry, helps have an idea about the history and centuries-old culture of the Armenian people. Despite the ordeals and trials, our people have given birth to dance devotees, whose activity and dedication is presented in the museum,” said Professor Karen Gevorgyan, Head of the Chair of Dance Education. The idea of opening the museum belongs to the professor.   

He thanked the university leadership, including the former rector [Ruben Mirzakhanyan], who believed in him and started the works of the museum, and current rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan, thanks to whom the museum opened.

The ceremony was accompanied by performances of students of the Dance Department. The event was attended by Ara Khzmalyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, ASPU vice-rectors, professors and students, famous artists, dance experts and devotees.